Known among the world’s most exciting cities, Shanghai is also China’s financial center and the most crowded city. Regardless of it, you can take a walk through the city, and you will see the influence of several world powers. It explains the city’s heritage of a mixture of Chinese and western influences.
Facts about Shanghai
The city reflects an ancient old town, lavish palaces, and present-day architecture. Shanghai also features famous museums, pretty parks, and delightful pedestrian areas. Read on to know more appealing facts about this stunning city.
1. China’s Largest City
In terms of population, Shanghai is China’s largest city. As per the recent national census, in 2010, the built-up population of Shanghai was 20.2 million.
The city’s administrative borders were 23 million during that time. The urban population in Shanghai has continued growing since then and it is at present known to be 27 million.
After Tokyo and Delhi, Shanghai is consequently, the third-largest city. Another fact is that around 10 million people residing in Shanghai mainly come from rural China and are long-term migrants.
The biggest community of foreigners residing in Mainland China, that is more than 150000, reside in Shanghai.
2. The Name Comes From its Location
Shanghai has its stunning location to thank for its name. The word Shanghai is made up of two Chinese characters. The meaning of “Shang” is above or upon, and “Hai” translates to the sea. Its name, therefore, means ‘upon the sea’.
Shanghai has a deliberate location near the convergence of two rivers, the Huangpu and Yangtze, which is also close to the sea. The city was initially occupied by only the left bank of the Huangpu River.
3. A World Finance and Cultural Center
In the last two decades, the city has progressed extremely as a result of China’s desire to have it become an international center of culture and finance. Several businesses are bustling in Shanghai and they offer new opportunities to China’s increasing middle class and foreigners seeking to enter the Chinese market.
The city has faced a steady rate of growth and is the focus of several international companies operating within China.
It has also become an axis of culture with fame in art, design, and fashion. Shanghai is also where Chinese cinema was born, it is also steadily gaining popularity across the world.
4. Located near some delightful Water Towns
There are many ancient towns situated between 20km and 100km to the west of Shanghai that make use of waterways like roads.
Both locals and tourists can travel around on canal boats in these beautiful towns. An ideal day trip from China must include a visit to one of these towns.
5. A delightful blend of History and Modernity
In the mid-nineteenth century, when it was a colonial territory, Shanghai was separated into British, U.S., and French modifications and a Chinese walled city.
Many Chinese called the foreign concessions their home, which caused a mixture of cultures bringing Shanghai an extraordinary variety of architectural styles and an astonishing history.
Shanghai also has quite a modern feel as it is a bustling metropolis. The visitors get a view of the dazzling light display and the city’s stunning skyscrapers when nighttime falls at the Huangpu River, all of which make the city’s modernity most apparent.
6. Shanghai has the Most Lavish Architecture in China
This might be news to some that Shanghai has an Old Town. Although Shanghai’s riverfront is known to all as it is on every postcard. This is also where the city’s early 20th-century elegant architecture is located.
Shanghai was thriving with international trade at the beginning of the last century. Major companies established their offices in its embankment area. The ranges of architectural styles here can impress anyone.
7. Amazing Pedestrian Areas
Among the things making Shanghai one of China’s most pleasant places for residing are the countless pedestrian areas. Lined with intriguing architecture, they provide everything, from commerce to hospitality.
The most well-known is the area near Yuyuan Garden in Old Shanghai. This is the most populated pedestrian area in Shanghai. It is not as interesting other than the garden itself. Various pedestrian areas are surrounding the French Concession.
Xintiandi, near the midpoint, is an entertainment source lined with nice villas and trees. Secluded Tianzi Fang is liked in particular as the area is comparatively more intimate and showcases plenty of arts and crafts.
8. Sustainable Shanghai
World architecture and urban design must be sustainable in the present day. The areas around Shanghai have been developed under such principles. North of Huangpu River, the location where the Expo 2010 happened, is particularly intriguing.
This stunning neighborhood is car-free and filled with greenery irrigated with sustainable rainwater. Concerning the design, this project mixes old industrial facilities and modern visually pleasing architecture. As one can expect, the young and hip are attracted towards it. Aside from that, it is also a wonderful place to work out or go for a walk.
9. There are Amazing Parks in Shanghai
It is clear by now that China focuses on creating livable cities. This is why its urban policy has included forming wide sidewalks, constructing green corridors, squares, riverside promenades, and parks.
Century Park in Pudong is the largest park in Shanghai. This large new park is composed of everything such as gardens, canals, lawns, and lakes. We can find Fuxing Park on the other side of the city, within the French Concession. It is more than a century old and has flowers, fountains, and garden pavilions. It was inspired by the French.
10. World’s Second Largest Metro
The metro system in Shanghai was built in the last 30 years. Chinese authorities formed a plan after World War II and decided to form metro systems in four cities, Beijing, Shanghai, Shenyang, and Tianjin.
Shanghai, however, didn’t begin construction until 1986. It was 1993 when the first section opened. At present, the 16 line system is 676 kilometers in length. It is the world’s second-largest metro system, Beijing being the first.
Aside from that, Shanghai also operates the fastest train in the world, which is the Shanghai Maglev Train connecting the city with Pudong Airport.